'She's a stunner' - Rio Ferdinand puts on loved-up display with Towie girlfriend Kate Wright

Rio Ferdinand is growing in confidence about sharing his relationship with Kate Wright with the public, delighting his 2.6m followers with a loved-up snap on Instagram last night (18 December).

The 39-year-old football pundit posted the snap from fancy eatery in Manchester, Rosso Restaurant, where Wright was out enjoying a group meal with girlfriends.

Ferdinand cosied up to Wright in the adorable shot, with the former Towie star looking ultra-glamorous in a green-striped playsuit paired with over-the-knee boots. Her hair and make-up were typically flawless as she grinned from ear-to-ear next to her man.

The former Manchester United star captioned the shot: "Cheeky night out with this one ❤️ #Rosso".

Fans flocked to comment on the picture, with one person writing: "Lovely to see you happy again @rioferdy5 my partner of two years lost his wife nearly 7 years ago.. we are very happy and I bring his daughter up who was only 5 at the time like she's my own.. just turned 12 and has turned into a gorgeous, strong, loving girl xx"

Another said: "@rioferdy5 great to see you happy again. She's a stunner."

While a third added: "Good luck to you both. Katie has made you smile again look after each other and the rest will follow ❤️".

Wright, 26, left ITVBe show Towie earlier this year to begin a life with aspiring-boxer Ferdinand and his three children, Lorenz, Tate and Tia from his marriage to the late Rebecca Ellison. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 34 from breast cancer.

The Towie star shared her first snap with Ferdinand on 8 December showing them holding hands and laughing together, captioning it: "Bestie❤️".

Her followers commended her for being the reason why Ferdinand is smiling again, with one person telling her: "I'm so glad to see you've put a smile back on this fellas face and his little family. Keep doing what you're doing sweet cheeks wishing you all a very happy Christmas and fabulous new year xx".